The Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) was officially inaugurated earlier this week. (Image source: Metito)

The Dammam Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) was officially inaugurated earlier this week. 

Delivered by a consortium led by Metito Utilities alongside Mowah and Orascom Construction, the project marks a major step forward in supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s National Water Strategy through an innovative Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

Awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the Dammam ISTP was developed with a total investment of SAR690mn (US$185.26mn) under a 25-year Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model. The plant has an initial capacity of 200,000 m³/day, expandable to 350,000 m³/day, serving nearly one million residents in western Dammam.

The performance-based PPP model mobilizes private sector capital, technology, and expertise to deliver critical infrastructure that meets the Kingdom’s growing water demands.

The plant utilises Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) technology, achieving high treatment efficiency while reducing civil works and tank volumes. Its sustainable design incorporates anaerobic digestion to convert sludge into biogas for on-site use, alongside solar drying greenhouses that harness Dammam’s abundant sunlight. These features minimise emissions and reduce operational costs.

Construction, which began in 2020 after financial close, recorded over 6.9 million safe man-hours with zero lost-time incidents (LTIs), created hundreds of local jobs, and enhanced sustainability through resource recovery and reduced landfill dependency. The project contributes directly to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

DEWA’s website shows that six firms submitted bids, of which five were accepted

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is expected to award the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for its Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) Water Transmission Pipelines Works – Project 2 in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Zawya Projects.

The tender, titled “Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Glass Reinforced Epoxy Water Transmission Pipelines Works – Project 2,” was issued on 4 June 2025, with bids submitted by 14 August.

Zawya Projects indicated that the contract award is likely to be confirmed in early October, with project completion targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027.

DEWA’s website shows that six firms submitted bids, of which five were accepted.

The accepted bids include Al Nasr Contracting Company at US$116mn, with a discounted amount of US$110mn if both sections are awarded; Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon at US$119.3mn, discounted to US$111mn; Green Oasis General Contracting at $78.9mn; Tristar Engineering & Construction at US$111.5mn; and Oman International Telecommunication Contracting at US$107mn, discounted to US$104mn for both sections.

A bid from Gulf Petrochemical Services was listed at US$40.15mn.

Hills & Fort Construction’s bid of US$170mn was not accepted.

The project forms part of DEWA’s ongoing efforts to enhance water transmission infrastructure in Dubai, with GRE pipelines providing durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term operational efficiency.

Visitors will also see the W80 AXgen axial flux motor. (Image source: WEG)

Leading motor and drive manufacturer WEG will present its latest energy-efficient technologies at Global Water Expo 2025, held from 2-4 September at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

Exhibiting at stand 1B41, Hall 1, WEG will highlight solutions designed to advance sustainable water infrastructure in the Middle East.

Among the innovations on display will be the W23 Sync+ motor, a hybrid combining PM, ferrite or neodymium magnets and SynRM technologies, achieving IE5 and anticipated IE6 efficiency ratings — the highest currently available. Designed for pumps, compressors and high-load applications, the motor delivers maximum energy savings while lowering total cost of ownership and CO₂ emissions.

Visitors will also see the W80 AXgen axial flux motor, offering up to 96.9% efficiency in a lightweight, compact design, along with the CFW line of VSDs for scalable process control, the ADV200-SP solar-powered drive, and WG20/WG50 gearboxes for high torque transmission.

“Water is a critical resource in the Middle East, where growing demand and limited natural supply make efficiency and reliability essential. This means that choosing the right equipment for the job is vital,” commented Raphael Torrano, managing director at WEG Middle East.

“WEG has actively been involved in Middle East water projects, providing motors, drives and transformers for desalination and transmission operations to support the region’s national infrastructure and to advance sustainability. We’re committed to the global energy transition, supporting regional and national climate goals through technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions.”

GS Inima reported revenue of €389mn in 2024

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of GS Inima, a Madrid-headquartered water treatment and desalination specialist, from GS Engineering & Construction.

The deal, valued at about US$1.2bn, will accelerate TAQA’s international water growth strategy and bring GS Inima fully under its ownership.

Operating in ten countries, including Spain, Brazil, Mexico, the US and Oman, GS Inima runs around 50 active projects, including 30 long-term PPPs.

The acquisition will add 171 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of desalination capacity to TAQA’s existing 1,250 MIGD portfolio. It will also contribute 264 MIGD of drinking water and 572 MIGD of wastewater and industrial water treatment capacity, alongside a water management business serving 1.3mn people.

In 2024, GS Inima reported revenue of €389mn (US$423mn) and EBITDA of €106mn (US$115mn), underpinned by concession agreements offering stable cash flows.

Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA’s Group CEO and managing director, said, “This acquisition represents a transformational step in TAQA’s growth and water strategy. GS Inima brings proven operational and technical strength on a global scale, and we are proud to welcome them into the Group. Together, we will accelerate our ambition to become a leading international water player, expanding our reach and capabilities across strategic growth markets in the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, while delivering innovative, low-carbon water solutions to communities around the world.”

The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in 2026.